Mechanic I at County of Pottawatomie – Westmoreland, Kansas

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Pottawatomie County Shop Foreman, the Mechanic I is a non-exempt position under FLSA. The primary goal of this position is to perform skilled mechanical work and is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of all county equipment such as automotive vehicles, emergency equipment, and heavy construction equipment in accordance with established practices of the mechanic trade.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (required):

1. Performs routine inspections, maintenance, and minor repairs for county vehicles and equipment.

2. Regular and predictable attendance required;

3. Cleans the shop area and stores tools;

4. Completes appropriate paperwork/records (i.e. work orders, shop tickets, daily labor & equipment records) for repairs & maintenance;

5. Maintains safety equipment;

6. Assists with storing, organizing and inventorying large stocks of parts, supplies and other commodities in a major repair facility and storage yard.

7. Assists with annual property inventory.

8. Assists in determining stocking levels for parts and supply inventories.

9. Mounts new tires including grader and semi tires.

10. Wash, wax, and detail vehicles and equipment

11. Picks-up and delivers parts, supplies, and other commodities. Occasionally transports road and bridge equipment to and from repair facilities.

12. Provides repair information to the Shop Clerk;

13. Must maintain good working relations with all other departments.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assists with loading and unloading materials including pipe.

2. Operates welder, acetylene torch and other metal fabrication tools;

3. Answers and directs incoming telephone calls;

4. Assist other employees as needed;

5. Operates departmental equipment including loaders and forklifts;

6. Assists in inventory of parts;

7. Schedules equipment repairs on a priority basis;

8. Performs other duties as deemed necessary or assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A high school diploma or GED is required. A valid Class A Kansas Commercial Driver's License (CDL), with proper endorsements (Tanker), is required or obtainable within 6 months of employment.

Requires one to two years’ experience operating, inspecting, repairing and or maintaining automotive and/or construction equipment. Knowledge and skill in using standard methods, practices, tools and equipment of the mechanic trade. Knowledge of computer software applications and other automated fleet systems. Working knowledge of applicable work safety rules and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment and physical demand characteristics described herein are representative and not intended to be fully inclusive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The mechanic will primarily work in a shop or garage environment, which can be noisy, with exposure to mechanical equipment, tools, and machinery. They may be exposed to oil, grease, solvents, and other chemicals, so safety protocols must be followed. The work may be conducted indoors or outdoors depending on the task, with exposure to various weather conditions. The role requires flexibility in hours, with the potential for overtime, evening, or weekend shifts, depending on business needs and urgent repair deadlines. On-call work may also be required for emergency repairs.

To ensure safety, the mechanic must adhere to all relevant health and safety regulations and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, steel-toed boots, and any other necessary gear. They must be able to lift and carry tools, equipment, and parts weighing up to 50 lbs., and occasionally more with assistance or mechanical aids. The role requires prolonged periods of standing, bending, kneeling, or crouching while working on vehicles or machinery. Additionally, the mechanic must have the manual dexterity to handle small parts and tools with precision. The job also involves climbing under vehicles, on lifts, and working on equipment, so the ability to stoop, crouch, and work in confined spaces is essential.

Mechanics must have clear vision, with or without corrective lenses, to identify mechanical issues and work on small, detailed components. Good hearing is also necessary to detect equipment malfunctions or unusual noises from vehicles. Physical stamina is required to complete long shifts, often in physically demanding environments, and candidates must be comfortable working in such conditions to meet the needs of the role.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Employee shall possess entry level knowledge and skill in using standard methods, practices, tools, and equipment of the mechanic trade and basic knowledge of the principles and operation of all types of engines and components. Employee shall possess the ability to understand and apply technical service and repair manuals and carry out oral and written instructions. Employee must be able to work independently with little supervision and possess a mechanical aptitude.

PROBLEM SOLVING

The work consists of duties that involve related steps and processing methods of a technical nature. The employee uses initiative in carrying out assignments and generally considers multiple options before making an independent decision to complete the project.

DECISION MAKING

This position requires the ability to research and properly apply guidelines and manuals. The decision regarding what needs to be done involves various choices requiring the employee to recognize the existence of and differences among many related processes and methods.

SUPERVISION/ACCOUNTABILITY

This position works with frequent to occasional supervision from the Pottawatomie County Shop Foreman and coworkers.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Employee is responsible for the safe operation of departmental equipment, has limited purchasing authority, but does not participate in the annual budget process.

PERSONAL RELATIONS

Daily contact with vendors, co-workers, and supervisory personnel is expected. Occasional contact with equipment dealers, general public and elected and appointed officials is expected.

An offer for employment for this position is contingent upon the applicant passing pre-employment background checks which may include, but are not necessarily limited to: Drug Screening, Driving Record, Criminal History, Physical Capacity, and/or Skills Testing.